AGY-7660 | Commonwealth Coal Commission

Full description

On 6 February 1942 the National Security (Coal Control) Regulations, Statutory Rule No.51 of 1942 established the Commonwealth Coal Commission. The Commission was to consist of: 'a Chairman; and ... two other members, one of whom [being] the nominee of the owners of coal mines and the other [being] the nominee of the Australian Coal and Shale Employees' Federation.' (1)

The Commission continued the work of the Commonwealth Coal Commissioner [I] and took on all its functions and responsibilities. (2) The Commission was given additional powers to improve coal production across Australia including having the authority to direct coal mine owners to pay compensation to employees at mine sites that had ceased production. (3) The Commission was also given the ability to compel mine owners and those in possession of any coal to supply it to the Commonwealth. (4)

The Commission was abolished on 8 March 1944 with the pronouncement of the Coal Production (War Time) Act No.1 of 1944 (Cth). (5)

Endnotes
1. National Security (Coal Control) Regulations, Statutory Rule No.51 of 1942. (Cth), s.2.
2. National Security (Coal Control) Regulations, Statutory Rule No.51 of 1942. (Cth), s.9.
3. National Security (Coal Control) Regulations, Statutory Rule No.51 of 1942. (Cth), s.5.
4. National Security (Coal Control) Regulations, Statutory Rule No.51 of 1942. (Cth), s.6.
5. Coal Production (War Time) Act No.1 of 1944, (Cth), s.57.